Philadelphia Flyers Trade $50 Million Defenseman to Western Conference Team

The Philadelphia Flyers have made some solid moves this off-season, and now, just days ahead of the regular season, they've decided to make a surprising trade with a key veteran.

According to official reports, the team are now sending 34-year old veteran Ryan Ellis West to the San Jose Sharks, in a deal that sees them acquire two intriguing prospects.

On top of that, the Flyers are sending a conditional sixth-round pick to the Sharks in the deal, with the team unloading the remainder of the eight-year, $50 million deal he signed in the summer of 2018.

Unfortunately for Ellis, he's been unable to remain healthy, as he has played in just four NHL games since the 2021/22 campaign, and now, he is considered officially retired after suffering some major back injuries.

Like their deal for Carey Price, this was one for the Sharks to acquire an additional asset while taking on some money, and given how far below the salary cap limit they are, this is the type of move the team should be making.

On paper, it's a move that makes sense for both teams, as the Flyers move off a major contract for two players that likely won't play for them, while the Sharks take on some salary to simply get an asset back.

Ultimately, this move has benefits for both teams, and with the regular season just a few days away, we may start seeing more moves like this as teams look to solidify their roster for the 2025/26 campaign.